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Only 50 miles from Florida's Atlantic Coast to its closest island, the Bahamas is a hugely popular Caribbean beach destination for travelers from both the United States and around the world. This former British possession packs gorgeous white sand, world-class scuba diving and swashbuckling history into one easily traveled package. While travel to and in the Bahamas is fairly easy, some foreknowledge will help even the most savvy tourist make the most of her trip.

Transportation

Nassau, on New Providence Island, is the capital of the Bahamas and its main transportation hub. Its port serves cruise liners, while Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport handles both international arrivals and connections to other islands within the archipelago. Grand Bahama also is home to a major international airport. Outside of these two major air links, there is some limited, direct air service between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the Abacos, Eleuthera and the Exumas in the Bahamas. Sea ferries ply the routes between major islands and groups of islands, such as from Nassau to the Abacos, and also between the minor islands, such as among the Abacos.

Considerations

The currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (B$), which is conveniently pegged to the US dollar. Most of the time, any difference between the two currencies is so minor as to be negligible. In many instances, the US dollar is accepted as if it were the B$. However, keep in mind that ATM machines are few and far between in the Out Islands of the Bahamas, such as Andros or Bimini, so plan accordingly. Electricity in the Bahamas is on the same standard as in the United States, and most of the power outlets are compatible with American appliances. There is no need to bring a travel converter or socket adapters.

When to Go

The islands are pleasant year-around, with temperatures in the lower and mid-80s F during the summer, and in the 70s from late autumn to early spring. In winter, it sometimes drops to the lower 60s at night. The result of this balmy weather is that the Bahamas does not really have an off-season, although some periods are busier than others. March and the first half of April sees a storm of American students descend on the islands for spring break, while the winter brings in a crowd of vacationers seeking refuge from icy northern climes. Hurricane season in the Bahamas runs from June 1 to November 30, but the islands themselves are rarely struck.

Attractions

In addition to its famous beaches, the Bahamas also is one of the world's premiere scuba diving destinations. "Scuba Diving" magazine says "nothing compares to this island chain for sheer diversity, from outrageous walls to high-octane animal encounters." The Bahamas also has a long, rich history as a fixture of Caribbean piracy, and the infamous Blackbeard got his start out of New Providence. That island is the home of both the Pirates of Nassau museum and a crumbling stone tower rumored to have been the home of the nefarious pirate.

Cuisine

Fish chowder, peas and rice and turtle soup are staples of Bahamian cuisine, although the sea turtle's status as an endangered creature has driven it off most menus. Seafood is obviously a major fixture on many menus in the Bahamas, with conch dishes playing a big role. Conch fritters, conch salad and cracked conch, or a battered and sauteed steak-like conch, are common. Fish, crab and lobster also are part of the Bahamian menu. Like many islands in the Caribbean, the national drinks of the Bahamas are rum and the many local cocktails made with it.